Maoist attacks kill 19 in Nepal

KATMANDU, Nepal, Feb. 1 (UPI) -- Maoist rebels reportedly struck in the Himalayan Hindu Kingdom of Nepal, killing at least 19 policemen and soldiers.

The violence Tuesday night in the western Palpa district came one year after Nepal King Gyanendra dismissed the politicians and seized direct control, the BBC reported.

Gyanendra, marking the first anniversary of his new powers, vowed to go ahead with municipal elections he has called for next month, but public response to the campaign has been poor. Political parties also are demanding the restoration of democracy, further complicating the political situation in the country.

Gyanendra said new parliamentary elections would be by April 2007.